During the intense Return to Crookback Bog quest in The Witcher 3, players face a critical decision that determines the fate of Anna Strenger. After she is transformed into a grave hag by the Crones, Geralt must enter a hidden cellar to pick the correct voodoo doll. Selecting the right item requires careful attention to clues dropped throughout the Bloody Baron storyline.
The Correct Doll Choice for Anna
The correct option to select is the doll with the violet hollyhock bloom. This specific flower is directly tied to Anna's personal history, as the Bloody Baron mentions earlier that hollyhocks were her favorite flowers. Choosing this doll breaks the physical curse and restores her human form.
Other options in the altar room serve as traps designed to confuse players. The red bead doll represents common jewelry worn by many women, while the human ear doll belongs to a local peasant. Picking any of these incorrect items causes Anna to immediately burst into flames.
Consequences of Lifting the Curse
Restoring Anna to human form unfortunately does not yield a completely happy ending. The Crones maliciously bound her life force directly to the curse itself. Once the transformation is reversed, her remaining life force drains away, allowing her only a few brief moments to say goodbye to her family.
Following her death, the emotional toll destroys what remains of her family. The Bloody Baron returns to Crow's Perch overcome with grief and takes his own life. Meanwhile, Tamara leaves with the witch hunters, marking a tragic conclusion to the Velen storyline.
Alternative Outcomes in Crookback Bog
The entire scenario with the dolls only occurs if players decide to free the Whispering Hillock spirit during the main story. If Geralt slays the spirit instead, the Crones do not turn Anna into a monster. In that branch, Anna suffers severe mental trauma, and the Baron takes her to the Blue Mountains in search of a cure.
Understanding these branching paths helps players navigate one of the most morally complex quests in the game. Every decision carries heavy trade-offs, ensuring that Velen's dark atmosphere leaves a lasting impression.